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Image: sniffoutdoors.com
When it comes to survival and preparation, many people invest heavily into technologies, gear and equipment. Often overlooked is basic wilderness survival knowledge, like learning what the potential threats are in your city and countryside.
It’s one thing being ready for economic collapse or a SHTF situation, but even in an economic collapse, there are still deadly creatures. In difficult times, it becomes even more important to identify outside threats as it will likely become difficult to receive quick, or any, medical attention.
In the US alone, there are around 7000 venomous snake bites reported every year. From this statistic, only a handful of them result in death, primarily due to speedy medical assistance. Without qualified medical attention and antivenin, it is near impossible to treat a bite yourself.
That’s exactly why it is crucial you should learn how to identify the four venomous snakes of North America and what to do if you come across one. Snakes, like most animals, will retreat when facing danger. However, many snake bites occur without the person even knowing that the snake was there due to the fact they hide between logs, rocks and in long grass. Briefly, here’s how you can avoid a bite:
- Learn venomous snake habitats (long grass, water, swamps)
- Wear protective clothing like gaiters, boots and chaps
- Never try to catch or prod a snake, even if it looks dead
- Watch your step over logs and rocks and under branches
- Stick to the path as snakes usually avoid it
If you’re unfortunate enough to have been bitten by a venomous snake, you should aim to reach professional medical help as soon as you can. While you’re waiting for assistance, you should:
- Stay calm and keep heart rate as low as possible
- Avoid being bitten a second time
- Remove any restrictive clothing
- Don’t cut off circulation with tourniquet
- Don’t suck venom or use suction device; it can cause more damage
- Don’t take pain killers
The outdoor and survival enthusiasts over at Sniff Outdoors have created the following infographic to show you how to identify the venomous snakes and what to do if you encounter one.
